§ 3 Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Labour (1) whether any consultation took place with the Mineworkers' Federation before the policy of 'conscripting boys of 16 years for the mines was announced;
(2) whether his proposals to conscript boys for the mines is confined to those residing in the mining areas or to any particular section of the community in any area;
(3) whether he proposes to obtain the sanction of Parliament for the purpose of giving effect to his policy of conscripting boys of 16 years of age for the mines?
§ 7 and 8. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour (1) under what authority he has decided to direct young persons at 16 years of age to work underground; whether, in doing so, he proposes to take into account young persons who are in apprenticeship; whether it is intended to direct them from all classes of society and occupations; and whether directions will be issued to persons who will be compelled to live away from home;
(2) whether it is intended to direct youths of r6 years of age to work underground who are students under instruction in educational institutions?
§ 9. Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Labour the penalties he proposes to apply to boys of 16 years of age who refuse to obey directions to work in the mines; and under what statutory or other authority he imposes those penalties?
10. Mr. Thorneycroftasked the Minister of Labour whether it is his intention in directing boys of 16 years of age to work in coalmines to include those in attendance at public schools and other educational institutions?
§ Mr. BevinI would ask hon. Members to await a statement I propose to make at the end of Questions.